Dry Camping Adventures on the Way to Cali
- 1nonblonde
- Dec 2, 2024
- 4 min read
Dry Camping Adventures on the Way to Cali
Hey friends!
Our latest travel stop was one for the books as we ventured into the world of dry camping for a couple of nights. No hookups, no frills—just the essentials, a bit of freedom, and some really fun stops. We gave our RV's systems a real test, while getting to experience a couple of unique places.
Night 1: Crystal Forest Museum & Gift Shop - Holbrook, AZ
We found this gem of a spot through Harvest Hosts and decided to give it a go. Dry camping here felt like a scene straight out of a prehistoric nature show. Pulling up, we were greeted by incredible pieces of petrified wood scattered across the grounds in an almost magical arrangement. They looked like ancient rainbow-colored sculptures left behind by some long-lost civilization. I had no idea petrified wood could have so many colors—reds, oranges, blues, greens—you name it! The collection is massive, and each piece has its own character.
This place brought back a flood of memories for me. My grandpa actually started me on a petrified wood collection when I was a kid, so seeing all of these incredible pieces brought me right back to those moments with him. He would share his stories and show me how to appreciate the details in each piece, and I’d spend hours marveling at how wood could become stone. Being here felt like I was getting to share a little bit of Grandpa’s legacy— and the best part was introducing my kids to this magic, too. We purchased a few pieces for the boys as Christmas gifts.
Oh, and did I mention crystals? The Crystal Forest Museum has a collection that would make any geologist’s heart skip a beat. They had everything from amethysts and quartz to rare finds I’d never even heard of. It was like a mini-museum of the Earth’s treasures. We spent a good chunk of the evening wandering around, marveling at all the natural beauty.
We planned to rough it completely, but as the desert evening got colder, we caved and bought an electrical hookup. It was one of those "we'll only do this once" moments, but as soon as the heater kicked on and we could fully recharge our devices, we felt our spirits lift!
Stretch Break: Winslow, AZ
We couldn’t resist making a quick pit stop in Winslow, Arizona, to “stand on a corner,” just like in the famous Eagles song. The town has fully embraced its rock ’n’ roll claim to fame with a life-size bronze statue and mural right at the corner of Kinsley Avenue and 2nd Street. It’s a classic spot, and we had to snap a few photos—what’s a road trip without a little nostalgia, right? The area has this fun retro vibe, and we loved the mix of Route 66 culture and the little shops selling memorabilia. Winslow definitely gives you that "vintage road trip" feel, and it was the perfect place to kick off our journey.
Night 2: Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner - Yermo, CA
The next day, we packed up and hit the road again, making our way to Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner, another Harvest Hosts gem just outside Yermo, California. Pulling in, I felt like we’d time-traveled back to the 1950s! The diner is filled with classic Hollywood memorabilia, and there’s a distinct “Happy Days” vibe from the moment you step inside. Think posters of Marilyn, a few jukeboxes, and more vintage decor than you can imagine.
But let’s talk food because, wow. After a day on the road, Peggy Sue’s diner fare was exactly what we needed—comfort food heaven! Burgers, fries, milkshakes, and everything deliciously nostalgic. They’ve really nailed that classic diner vibe and flavor. Darren got an amazing Root Beer Float so thick it almost needed a spoon instead of a straw, and it was worth every sip.
This time, we decided on a more "hit-and-go" setup. We parked, stayed hitched to the truck, left the slides in, and didn’t even bother leveling. Our goal was a quick getaway in the morning—no fuss, just a cozy spot to rest before hitting the road again. (I think I slept even better knowing there’d be zero setup time in the morning!) We got to sleep in a little longer and felt super efficient the next day.
Tips for Dry Camping First-Timers
If you’re new to dry camping, here’s what we learned:
Prep your water and power – With no hookups, you’ve gotta be smart about water and electricity. We were strategic with our power usage, though a little electrical boost doesn’t hurt on a cold night! Our second night we used our new Ecoflow battery (love this thing!) to run our bedtime items (Darren’s C-Pap machine, the table top fan, the sound machine, and our chargers).
Embrace the simplicity – No frills means more connection with the surroundings. Plus, it’s a great chance to enjoy some unique places you might miss out on if you’re only sticking to RV parks.
So there it is! Two nights, two quirky stops, and plenty of great memories. We’re already excited for the next adventure. Until then, we’re signing off, but stay tuned—more of the 78° Life is coming soon!
Cheers!
-Chasing 78° Life
See your pics of Winslow almost felt like we were with you as we did this earlier this year. I can still hear the eagles music playing in every shop in a loop.